Nature in Upper Bavaria 5 – Hiking to the Eagle’s Nest

Nope, no luck. So I went alone to the alpine lodge "Tegernseer Hütte" in early May last year, and was rewarded with a majestic view. That one that I call a view!

The Tegernseer Hütte (1650 m) in the Lake Tegernsee region of Bavaria lies, like an aerie, between the summits of "Roß- & Buchstein" and offers great panoramic views across the high alpine ridges.

The hike to reach the hut in spring is a serious mountain trek on steep, stony, non-existent or not maintained trails involving rock climbing/scrambling, sliding on your butt in snow and mud, traversing little creeks and eventually sunbathing to dry your wet pants.

If you are lucky, a free table on the hut’s terrace and a beer to a fantastic view will be long awaiting you. Prost!

After countless of serpentines, you first reach the Sonnberg Alm (open only in summer months)

From Sonnberg Alm, the trail becomes a challenge

Only another 45 minutes to the hut through snow & mud

The direct route up to the hut (Via-Ferrata) requires a fair bit of scrambling along iron ropes - do take extra precaution if wet

Looking up to the Roßstein peak - notice the people in the picture?

Looking down - not for the faint-hearted!

Looking towards the hut - Via-Ferrata is a little bit demanding and not fun for people with vertigo, but generally really OK

Rock climbers' heaven

The Tegernseer Hütte is also accessible around the Roßstein peak if you want to avoid the Via-Ferrata. Calculate an extra 15 minutes for the so-called "Old Ladies'" trail. In early May the trail was non-existent and not recommended due to avalanche risk.

No risk, no fun - So I took the Old Ladies' path down. It was still covered with deep snow.